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Customer Reviews of Empires - Japan: Memoirs of a Secret Empire

Best Historical Documentary on Feudal Japan Yet
As a discriminating viewer of historical documentaries, I was somewhat disappointed at the fact that there were no decent documentaries on Japan, one of my favorite cultures. That is, until now. I saw this 3-hour documentary on PBS (opposite the American Idol finale) the other night and was totally swept up in it. Afterwards, I knew I had to order it on Amazon (which I did yesterday).

This is a great primer on the history of Japan from the 'Warlord Period' to the end of its isolation in the 19th century. What I liked about it was that it gave equal treatment to cultural and military aspects, when most prior documentaries on feudal Japan seem to overemphasize the latter. While acknowledging the noble qualities of the Samurai, it didn't overglamorize them like many others are wont to do.

I highly recommend this feature as well as others in PBS's superb 'Empire' series.

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Inside of the old Japanese empire!
After being involved for more than 26 years in martial arts, visiting Japan, etc. I could only say that it is a great DVD. Richard Chamberlain (the protagonist of the TV miniseries "Shogun") narrates very vivid the stories. A great documentary for everyone interesting in Japanese culture, history and roots of Japanese martial arts (discipline, fearless, focus, etc.).